2017 Forms 1094 and 1095 Now Available

Keeping our clients informed is a priority here at Lenz-Balder. Recently the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released the final forms and instructions for Forms 1094 and 1095 for the calendar year 2017 reporting. Employers are required to report in early 2018 for the calendar year 2017.

2017 Forms and Instructions
The following calendar year 2017 reporting forms and instructions are now available:

Applicable large employers(ALEs)—generally those with 50 or more full-time employees, including full-time equivalent employees (FTEs)—must file Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the IRS no later than February 28, 2018 (or April 2, 2018, if filing electronically). ALEs must also furnish a Form 1095-C to all full-time employees by January 31, 2018.

Self-insuring employers that are not considered ALEs must file Forms 1094-B and 1095-B with the IRS no later than February 28, 2018 (or April 2, 2018, if filing electronically). A Form 1095-B must also be furnished to “responsible individuals” (who may be the primary insured, employee, former employee, or other related person named on the application) by January 31, 2018.

Changes for 2017

The 2017 forms and instructions are similar to the 2016 materials, although there are some changes for items that no longer apply or to simplify or clarify the information. Some of the changes include:

Removing references to transition relief options that are no longer available to ALEs.

Confirming the multiemployer interim relief rule remains in place for ALEs that contribute to a multiemployer plan (e.g., union trust).

Updating references for items that have been adjusted for inflation, such as the affordability percentage (9.69 percent for 2017).

Adding a note in the instructions for Form 1095-C, line 16, stating that “There is no specific code to enter on line 16 to indicate that a full-time employee offered coverage either did not enroll in the coverage or waived the coverage.”